The basic login process

To log in to Facebook, go to facebook.com in your web browser or open the Facebook app on your phone. On the login screen, enter the email address or phone number you used when you created your account, then enter your password. Click the "Log In" button.

If you have not used Facebook in a while, you may see a screen asking you to confirm your identity before you can proceed. This is a security feature. Facebook will send a code to your email or phone — enter that code to finish logging in.

Once you are logged in, you will see your News Feed. If you want to stay logged in on that device, Facebook will remember you the next time you visit. If you are on a shared computer, you should log out when you are done by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner and selecting "Log Out".

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook login requires the email address or phone number you registered with and your password — nothing else.
  • If you see a confirmation screen asking for a code, check your email or text messages for a six-digit number from Facebook.
  • On a shared computer, always log out when you finish, especially if other people in your household use the same device.
  • If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen to reset it through your email or phone number.
  • Two-factor authentication adds a second security layer by requiring a code from your phone each time you log in from a new device.

What to do if you forgot your password

Click "Forgot Password" on the Facebook login screen. Facebook will ask you to enter the email address or phone number connected to your account. You will then receive a link or code to reset your password.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number you used to set up your account, Facebook has a recovery process. You can identify yourself using a photo ID and answer security questions you set up when you created your account. This process takes longer — sometimes several days — but it is the way to regain access if your contact information has changed.

Understanding two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication means Facebook requires two separate pieces of information to let you in: your password and a code from your phone. This makes it much harder for someone else to log in to your account, even if they somehow get your password.

To turn on two-factor authentication, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click Security and Login on the left side. Scroll down to "Two-Factor Authentication" and click "Edit". Facebook will walk you through connecting your phone number or an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. Once it is set up, every time you log in from a new device, Facebook will text you a code or show it in the app — you enter that code to finish logging in.

The trade-off is convenience: logging in takes an extra 30 seconds. The benefit is that your account is much harder to break into. If you use Facebook for work, banking information, or to manage a business page, two-factor authentication is worth the small extra step.

Logging in on different devices

When you log in on a new phone, tablet, or computer, Facebook treats it as a new device. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will need to enter a code. If you do not, Facebook may still ask you to confirm your identity the first time — this is normal.

You can see all the devices you are logged in on by going to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. Look for "Where You Are Logged In". This list shows every phone, tablet, and computer currently connected to your account. If you see a device you do not recognize, click it and select "Log Out" to disconnect it when ready.

Staying safe while logging in

Always log in through facebook.com or the official Facebook app from Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). Do not log in through a link in an email or text message, even if it looks like it came from Facebook. Scammers often send fake login links that look real but steal your password.

If you are on a public computer — at a library, internet cafe, or someone else's house — never check the "Keep Me Logged In" box. Always log out completely when you finish. On your own device, it is safe to stay logged in.

Watch for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar. It means your connection to Facebook is encrypted, so your password is not visible to anyone on the same network. If the padlock is missing, do not log in.

What happens after you log in

Once you are logged in, Facebook can see what you do on the platform — which posts you view, which ones you like or comment on, how long you spend on each page, and which ads you click. This information is stored in your account and used to show you targeted ads and personalize your News Feed.

Facebook also tracks your activity on other websites and apps that use Facebook's login button or Facebook's tracking code. This data is linked to your account even when you are not on Facebook itself. You can limit some of this tracking by going to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Apps and Websites, and reviewing which apps have permission to see your information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in to Facebook with my Google or Apple account?

Yes. On the Facebook login screen, you will see options to "Continue with Google" or "Continue with Apple". Clicking either one lets you log in using those accounts instead of entering your Facebook password. Facebook will create a connection between your accounts, but you still need a Facebook account to use this feature.

What should I do if I see a login attempt I did not make?

Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. Look for "Where You Are Logged In" and check the list of devices. If you see a location or device you do not recognize, click it and select "Log Out". Then change your password when ready. If you have two-factor authentication on, an attacker cannot log in without your phone, so you are protected.

Is it safe to save my password in my browser?

It depends on who else uses your device. If you are the only person who uses your computer or phone, saving your password is convenient and reasonably safe. If others use the same device, do not save your password — they could access your account. On public computers, never save your password.

Why does Facebook keep asking me to confirm my identity?

Facebook does this when it detects unusual login activity — logging in from a new location, a new device, or at an unusual time. It is a security measure to make sure it is actually you. Check your email or text messages for the confirmation code. If you do not recognize the login attempt, you can deny it and change your password.

Can I log in to Facebook on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. You can be logged in on your phone, tablet, and computer all at once. Facebook allows this so you can use the platform on whichever device you are holding. You can see all active sessions in Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login, under "Where You Are Logged In".